Marvin Dwain Smith

January 8, 1926 — September 15, 2015 Marvin Dwain Smith, 89, a resident of Delano since July 1, 1963 passed away at 3:00 am on September 15, 2015. He was born at rural Cold Springs, OK on January 8 1926, the son of Marvin and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Smith and the sixth of eight children. He married Beatrice Elizabeth Johnson on Feb. 29, 1948 at Vernon, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, six siblings and Bea Smith, his beloved wife of 62 years, 8 months and 22 days. He is survived by three children and spouses, to wit, Judy McAbee and Bruce, Michael Smith and Lana, and Tami Davis: ten grandchildren and spouses, to wit, Adam and Dani McAbee, Mathew and Megan Smith, Timothy and Kori McAbee, Christopher and Elizabeth McAbee, Zachary Davis, Emily and Jason Hew, Jessica Smith, Megan Davis, Samuel Davis and Elizabeth Davis; and seven great-grandchildren, to wit, Lucas McAbee, Benjamin McAbee, Connor McAbee, Aubrey Hew, Russell McAbee, Kamryn Hew, Jonah Hew, and his adopted great-granddaughter Destiny Madrigal. He is also survived by one sister, Elaine Burrow of Wichita, KS and numerous nieces and nephews. Dwain attended college during his undergraduate years at Southwestern State Teachers College at Weatherford, OK, Cameron Junior College at Lawton, OK and Fresno State, and his graduate years at the University of Oklahoma at Norman, OK and Santa Clara University at Santa Clara, CA. He served for two years as an aerial turret gunner in the U.S Navy during WW II. Dwain taught High and Elementary School for 10 years, two of which were in Oklahoma and eight years at McFarland, CA. His first year of law school was at the University of Oklahoma and his last two years were at Santa Clara University, graduating in 1962. He commenced the practice of law as an associate with John T. Hourigan in Delano on July 1, 1963 and soon thereafter became his partner until 1976, at which time he opened his own office at 1120 Kensington St., Delano. He remained at this location until he retired on Dec. 31, 1994. During this tenure his associates were Judge Phillip McNutt, Judge L. Bryce Chase, Richard Monahan and his son M. Michael Smith. After his retirement and in 2000 he volunteered 15 full years of his time in the restoration and maintenance of the Delano Heritage Park Museum, and part time thereafter until his death. During his practice of law he was the City Attorney of the City of McFarland for 30 years (1963-1993) and the City Attorney for the City of Tehachapi for 26 years (1966-1992). He was the City Attorney for Delano following the death of then City Attorney, J.O. Reavis, until he determined there was too much of a conflict of interest because most of the council members were his personal clients and he resigned a few months after accepting that position. Dwain, Lemmie McClain and Dr. John R. Montgomery were the moving forces in the formation of the North Kern-South Tulare Hospital District and he served as the District's Attorney for many years until he resigned because of his workload. Dwain also served as legal counsel for the formation of the McFarland Parks and Recreation District and the attorney for many years for the Tehachapi Hospital District and the Tehachapi Parks and Recreation District. Dwain was a long time member of the Delano Methodist Church, American Legion Post No. 0124, Past Exalted Ruler of Delano Elks Lodge No. 1761, and until his death an inactive member of the California Bar Association. While in law school he was a member of the Santa Clara Law Review and became a member of the Phi Delta Phi, an honors International Legal Fraternity, initiated by Holmes Inn at the University of Oklahoma. Dwain and his wife loved traveling, and from 1989 until 2008 they traveled to most of the countries of the world. The Delano Historical Park located at 330 Lexington St has graciously offered to host a coffee and Diet Dr. Pepper celebration on Wednesday, September 23 from 9-10:30 AM prior to the graveside service. The graveside service will be held at the Delano Cemetery at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Delano Historical Society, 330 Lexington St., Delano, CA 93215.

Marvin Dwain Smith

January 18, 1926 - September 15, 2015

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Marvin Dwain Smith

January 18, 1926 - September 15, 2015

365 Days of Grief Support

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